Australia

Best Countries to Visit

Australia
Papua New Guinea
New Zealand
Fiji
Solomon Islands

Best Cities to Visit

Sydney
Rotorua
Nukuʻalofa
Levuka
Great Ocean road

Size

8,600,000 KM²

Population

39,000,000

Spending Budget

$130 - $150

History

Australia was first inhabited perhaps 40,000 years ago by aboriginal peoples. During the Age of Exploration, the land was discovered and mapped by many Europeans including the Spanish, Dutch and English. However, Australia wasn’t explored until 1770 when Captain James Cook explored the east coast and claimed it for Great Britain. He named it New South Wales.The first colony was established at Sydney by Captain Arthur Phillip on January 26, 1788. It was initially considered a penal colony. This was because many of the first settlers were criminals. Britain would sometimes send their criminals to the penal colony rather than jail. Oftentimes, the crimes that people committed were small or even made up to get rid of unwanted citizens. Slowly, more and more of the settlers were not convicts. Sometimes you will still hear people refer to Australia as being started by a penal colony. Six colonies were formed in Australia: New South Wales, 1788; Tasmania, 1825; Western Australia, 1829; South Australia, 1836; Victoria, 1851; and Queensland, 1859. These same colonies later became the states of the Australian Republic. On January 1, 1901, the British Government declared an act to create the Republic of Australia. In 1911, the Northern Territory became part of the Commonwealth. The first federal Parliament was started at Melbourne in May 1901 by the Duke of York. Later, in 1927, the centre of government and parliament moved to the city of Canberra. Australia took part in both World War I and World War II allied with Great Britain and the United States.

Present Day

The continent of Australia, sometimes known in technical contexts by the names Sahul , Australinea, or Meganesia to distinguish it from the country of Australia, consists of the landmasses which sit on Australia's continental plate. The name "Sahul" takes its name from the Sahul Shelf, which is part of the continental shelf of the Australian continent. The continent includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, and the island of New Guinea, which consists of Papua New Guinea and Western New Guinea. Situated in the geographical region of Oceania, Australia is the smallest of the seven traditional continents.The continent includes a continental shelf overlain by shallow seas which divide it into several landmasses—the Arafura Sea and Torres Strait between mainland Australia and New Guinea, and Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania. When sea levels were lower during the Pleistocene ice age, including the Last Glacial Maximum about 18,000 BC, they were connected by dry land. During the past 18,000 to 10,000 years, rising sea levels overflowed the lowlands and separated the continent into today's low-lying arid to semi-arid mainland and the two mountainous islands of New Guinea and Tasmania.Australia is one of the most multi-cultured nations in the world. Home to 200 different and unique types of culture and races. Australia is vibrant with various art styles, flora and fauna

Future

Australians want a future of sustainable self-sufficiency and a healthy environment supporting a robust democracy – free of poverty and inequity. That was one of our projections, as part of the Australia 2050 project for the Australian Academy of Science.Equally, Australians fear a future in which the stability of day-to-day life has been eroded by a degraded environment, depleted resources, lawlessness or warfare, limited access to health-care and education, extreme (or even increased) economic or political inequity and the fragmentation of social cohesion. The future depends on decisions made today, and that means it is important to get some early insights into what the alternatives really are.Australia’s resource sector has been one of the defining shapers of economic growth through the late 20th and early 21st century. Major fossil fuels (black coal, natural gas) and minerals (iron ore, bauxite, copper) are forecast to be exhausted in 60-80 years at current rates of extraction, much sooner for other resources (gold, lead, zinc, crude oil). The physical trade balance (including mining, manufacturing and agricultural sectors) is forecast to show continued growth in exports to the mid 21st century, but then to collapse rapidly to around neutral.Economic growth is forecast to continue over 2011-2050 at around 2.5% per year (a little slower than over past decades), and to shift towards services and away from primary and secondary industries (like agriculture and manufacturing).

Must Visit Places ------------

Sydney Opera House

Australia’s most iconic building is the Sydney Opera House which nestles on the shores of Sydney Harbour at Bennelong Point. This multi-venue performing arts center was designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, before being added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 .

Kings Canyon

Located partway between Alice Springs and Uluru in Watarrka National Park is magnificent Kings Canyon, which boasts the Red Center's deepest gorge. Sandstone walls tower more than 100 meters above Kings Creek that meanders below, with sections of the gorge forming part of a sacred Aboriginal site to the Luritja people

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Situated in the heart of the Red Centre is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It includes one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), and the dome-shaped rock formations of Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas, which lie around 40 kilometers away.

Museum of Sydney

The Museum of Sydney explores the people and events that have shaped the city, built on the ruins of the house of New South Wales' first Governor, Arthur Phillip. Remnants of the original 1788 building, such as drains and privies, can still be glimpsed today through glass openings in the museum’s forecourt.

Featherdale Wildlife Park

Located around 45 minutes drive west of Sydney’s city center is the Featherdale Wildlife Park, set across seven acres of land in the suburb of Doonside. It was established in 1972, primarily as a nursery for Australian native trees and plants while also providing a refuge for native animals.

Great Barrier Reef

As one of the most important natural wonders in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is so big it can be seen from space! It is considered the largest living organism on the planet, and it is an extremely popular diving destination.

Fiji

This largely unpopulated country is made up of hundreds of islands. It is known for being a paradisal destination and frequently visited by honeymooners, and families. Besides unbelievable beaches, Fiji has lush forests, and volcanic activity that diversifies and beautifies its landscape.

Tahiti

Tahiti’s natural beauty and interesting culture was immortalized by Paul Gaugin’s numerous paintings. In fact, the most expensive painting in the world is part of the artist’s series on this beautiful island. As the largest island in French Polynesia, it is an extremely popular luxury vacation destination. Visitors enjoy its turquoise beaches, peacefulness, extinct volcanoes, lagoons, and waterfalls.

Lake Tekapo

New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes and sharp contrasts. Lake Tekapo is the perfect example of the country’s gorgeous natural sites, and definitely one visitors should not miss. The snow-capped mountains harmoniously contrast the pristine lake at their feet, and the green fields that surround them.

Palau

Palau is an archipelago whose deep green mountains are the perfect contrast to the impossibly clear blue water that surrounds it. The nation is made up of more than 500 islands, and it is a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination. Scuba divers love to explore the coral reefs and World War II wrecks around the islands.

Waitomo

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a popular tourist destination located on New Zealand’s North Island. Upon entering this underground grotto, visitors are taken aback by dramatic stalactites, which seem to drip like wax from the ceiling, tapering to a point in mid-air. A twinkling light show is provided by the many thousands of glowworms that inhabit the caves – constellations of luminescence shimmering from the cave walls like tiny stars and lighting the water below.

Te Mata Peak

Situated between Hastings and the eastern coast of New Zealand, Te Mata Peak is an incredible hillscape rising 1310ft (399m) above sea level. It’s summit offers sublime panoramic views of the Kaweka, Ruahine, Maungaharuru Ranges and Cape Kidnappers. With an excellent variety of walking and cycling trails, Te Mata Peak offers a breath-taking day out for the whole family.

Mount Cook

Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, rising an enormous 12,316ft (3754m). It forms part of the Southern Alps mountain range, which spans the entire length of the South Island. The mountain is known as Ao-raki to the Maori, which means ‘cloud piercer’. Consistently covered in snow and ice, Mount Cook provides a stark contrast to the turquoise waters of lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, which lie beneath its eastern flank

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is Australia’s largest national park, covering a landmass that is about half the size of Switzerland. The park, which is co-managed by its native Aboriginal owners, protects ancient traditions and the harmony of the region’s natural life. Located within Australia’s aptly named Aligator Rivers region, it features a combination of coastal mangroves, lowland flood plains, sandstone hills and dense varied forests.

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island situated 150 miles (241km) south of Australia, separated by the Bass Strait. The main island is approximately 225 miles (362km) long, though the state includes a further 334 smaller islands. As Australia’s most mountainous state, Tasmania is home to many peaks, the tallest of which is Mount Ossa (1615m/5300ft).

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest uninterrupted expanse of protected parkland. Located on the south-western tip of New Zealand’s South Island, the park encompasses almost 8000 square miles (12,500 sq. km). This modern-day Eden is home to a plethora of plants and animals, including the Kakapo – the world’s only flightless parrot.

Christmas Island

Christmas Island is a small island territory of Australia, covering 135 square miles (350 sq. km) in the Indian Ocean. Despite its relatively small size, the island has aroused great interest among both scientists and naturalists, with two-thirds of its land mass declared a national park

Bora Bora

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then Bora Bora is just the place to visit. Surrounded by a dreamy lagoon and beautiful coral reefs, Bora Bora offers white sandy beaches and warm clear waters. It’s not hard to see why this French Polynesian island is often referred to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Vanuatu

Rumbling volcanoes, world-class wreck dives and ancient tribal cultures – the 80-plus island archipelago of Vanuatu has plenty to offer the intrepid island traveller.If you have time to visit only one island in Vanuatu, then Tanna Island should be it. It’s where Mt Yasur, possibly the world’s most active, accessible volcano is located.

Fraser Island

There are plenty of unique island experiences in Australia and Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – is one of them. With its beautiful wild beaches, clear freshwater lakes, huge wooded dunes and wonderful wildlife, Fraser Island offers an otherworldly experience.

Whitsundays Island

Sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef, the waters around here are particularly perfect for sailing, and the surrounding seas are often bustling with yachts and cruisers. Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 islands but the largest and most enjoyable has to be Whitsunday Island itself. You can swim off the sublime 5km-long Whitehaven Beach, often referred to as Australia’s prettiest, or just park yourself on the blindingly white, clean sands and soak in the rays.

Sunshine Coast

Queensland's Sunshine Coast, which stretches between Caloundra and the Great Sandy National Park, appeals to everyone from foodies to animal lovers to beach bums. In the heart of the region sits Noosa, a popular beach destination known for its food and wine festival, its Steve Irwin-affiliated zoo and its migrating humpback whales, which you can swim with from July to October.

Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia's events capital, hosting annual activities like the Australian Open and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Even if you can't visit for a major event, the city offers a variety of can't-miss attractions, including highly regarded museums, Australia's oldest zoo and a public library filled with rare books and historical artifacts.

Gold Coast

A Gold Coast vacation offers travelers the perfect blend of a laid-back beach community and a thriving city. Visitors can explore everything from glowworm caves to wildlife sanctuaries to theme parks – all are located within the city's limits. But the main reason to check out this coastal locale is to ride its top-notch waves.

Auckland

The cosmopolitan city of Auckland boasts a diverse population that brings unique flavors and traditions to the local culture. Add Auckland's love for sports (think: rugby and bungee jumping) and natural allure – black sand beaches, clear blue waters and volcanic peaks – and you've got a great destination.